Tomorrow's industry standard, today.

You'd be forgiven for thinking there's an echo in today's bib shorts market. It seems that Castelli's competitors are always exactly one year behind, suddenly developing the same innovations that featured on Castelli's previous models. So, with the release of the new Free Aero Race Bib Shorts, we're pleased to once again present tomorrow's industry standard, today.

As the name suggests, the Free Aero Race Shorts are designed to cheat the wind, reducing power output requirements by a claimed 10 watts at 50 kilometers an hour. The secret to these gains lies in how the shorts manage airflow across their multiple boundaries and textures — most obviously via the dimpling across the shorts' outer plane. Like with a golf ball or some deep carbon rims, these dimples manage the turbulent lamina of air that runs along the shorts' surface, preventing its premature release into pockets of drag-inducing dead air.

Castelli found itself unwilling to part with the Progetto X2 Air Seat Pad, so it returns with only one, minor change: its surface is softer, which means it now presents a more gentle face to your perineum. It retains its bacteriostatic properties, seamless construction, four-way stretch, and ventilating, perforated foam layer. The perforated viscous comfort inserts also enjoy an encore performance, so your sensitive areas will enjoy riding over all manner of terrain.

Those may be the only returning features of the previous model — not even the materials used were safe from Castelli's obsessive need to tinker. The seat and front of the shorts both feature fabrics designed for durability and cooling breathability, respectively, and the entire body is 30% Lycra for a fit that strikes a balance between compression and unrestrictive movement.

The bibs' wide open, non-stifling design also returns from the previous model, but the bibs themselves now comprise two materials. The straps are mesh 3/4 of the way up, but — like any good domestique — the mesh lets a yolk of Castelli's innovative Carré material summit your shoulders. Carré is a hem-less strap that lies virtually flat against your skin, so there aren't any wind-grabbing, stegosaurus ridges from bib straps bulging out of your jersey. The liminal seam between mesh and Carré is also reinforced, so you don't have to worry about any wardrobe malfunctions while hoisting the trophy on the podium.

Last year's model featured Castelli's upgraded Giro3 integrated grip bands at the hem, but it shouldn't surprise you at this point that Castelli has upgraded these yet again. The new Giro Air has the same perfectly flat, stay-in-place grip, but with less mass, which no doubt contributes to the claimed overall weight loss of 17 grams and definitely reduces the aerodynamic footprint. The new band is wider, almost equaling the length of a typical Euro-slammed road stem, and every square millimeter of the material acts as the gripping agent. No silicone gel print here.

The lower mass means the leg bands are also pretty transparent, which may initially be a turn-off, but will likely take off as it appears in the pro peloton. In this case, it's important to note that "pro" isn't short for "UV protection," so we recommend a bit of sunscreen applied a few minutes before suiting up. As a final touch, Castelli included highly reflective details on the back of the grippers for extra safety, just in case you get caught out at a time when sunscreen won't do any good.

Claimed savings of 10 watts at 50kph due to aerodynamics

Progetto X2 Air chamois

Giro Air leg bands stay in place without the use of silicone

Tech Specs

Fit:

race fit

Chamois:

Progetto X2 Air

Bib:

yes, Carré yolk

Leg Gripper:

Giro Air

Claimed Weight:

[size large] 178 g

Recommended Use:

road cycling

Manufacturer Warranty:

30 days

Size chart

Castelli

Men's Apparel

S

M

L

XL

XXL

3XL

Chest

36.2in(92cm)

37.8in(96cm)

39.4in(100cm)

41.3in(105cm)

43.3in(110cm)

45.3in(115cm)

Waist

31.5in(80cm)

33.1in(84cm)

34.6in(88cm)

36.6in(93cm)

38.6in(98cm)

40.6in(103cm)

Hip

37in(94cm)

38.6in(98cm)

40.2in(102cm)

42.1in(107cm)

44.1in(112cm)

46.1in(117cm)

Inseam

31.9in(81cm)

32.3in(82cm)

32.7in(83cm)

33.1in(84cm)

33.5in(85cm)

33.9in(86cm)

How to Measure:

For best results, take measurements over your underwear.

Chest:

Measure under your arms, around the fullest part of your chest.

Waist:

Measure around your natural waistline, keeping the tape a bit loose.

Hip:

Measure around the fullest part of your body at the top of your legs.

Inseam:

Using pants that fit well, measure the crotch seam to the bottom of the leg.

Here's what others have to say...

View

Bought 2

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

Fit:
True to size

I am new to cycling. I wanted to get a decent pair of shorts so that I had the best chance of enjoying the sport. These have not let me down. They are comfortable, look good, and fit perfectly. I'm 5'7

Comment on Justin C.'s review:

Glad I bought them

Gender:
Male

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

I researched bibshorts after my previous two pair began to cause saddlesores. To be fair, I did have the last ones (not the same manufacturer) a year or two longer than they were intended to live. They began to loose their compressive character, and I should have been a bit more observant about fit. Free Aero's were on sale and I gave them a try. Started with one pair but after 1 ride jumped on the second as the chamois was superb and the compressive fit exactly as described...they disappear on you. All other reviews from here were spot on including smallish sizing, so that really helped me. Saddlesores disappeared after a reasonable period of time and meticulous hygiene attention. Let's see how long they live! Good deal on sale if you can get it.

Comment on David S.'s review:

I have had these bibs for about 2 months and have washed them about 5-6 times. I just noticed that the front of the chamois has become dislocated and partially folded over inside of the outer fabric. What is the warranty and is there any way to get them replaced? Thanks

I had really good luck with the Castelli warranty department. Chainlove/Steep and Cheap only offer 30 days, but I think that Castelli warranty is 1 year for workmanship problems. You have to send them in, and they will evaluate them and send you a replacement, if it is a workmanship issue.

Comment on Jgoncalves's review:

I'll never bother with any other bibs

Familiarity:
I've used it several times

Fit:
Runs small

These are my first bibs after many pairs of shorts. They are easily more comfortable than my best shorts. I first used them in a 75 mi race and they just disappeared. I never gave them a thought, they just sat there and did their job. The straps are a little snug, but I do have a ridiculously long torso. I'll never consider any other bibs. They are pricey, but time in the saddle is valuable and these have ruined me for anything lesser.

Comment on Greg H.'s review:

Super comfortable, great chamois

Familiarity:
I've put it through the wringer

Fit:
Runs small

Update after numerous rides... New favorite bibs, mainly because of GREAT chamois, super comfortable, no chafing after back-to-back 101/65-mile rides in high heat and humidity, just the right amount of padding, etc. New straps, leg bands are different but I found both really comfortable. Redesigned crotch area is MUCH improved. Last year's left no room for the obvious. Now, fit great. Agree with other review - typical Castelli sizing. I'm 5' 8", 155, order a medium. Wish they would do a Skratch Labs color way like offered last year.

Comment on JeffH's review:

1st ride

Just got these and took them out for an 80 mile ride. I like the fabric on the shorts and the leg band better than the previous year's free aero bibs. I don't think I like the fabric at the top of the straps as much, but all in all I think they are an improvement from last year's model. Typical Castelli sizing. I'm 135 lbs and wear a medium. They fit well but are tight especially around the thighs.

Comment on mwip1091555's review:

Free Aero Race - dimpled fabric

As the name suggests, the Free Aero Race Shorts are designed to cheat the wind, reducing power output requirements by a claimed 10 watts at 50 kilometers an hour. The secret to these gains lies in how the shorts manage airflow across their multiple boundaries and textures — most obviously via the dimpling across the shorts' outer plane.

Comment on Lynda's photo:

Free Aero Race - back view

The seat and front of the shorts both feature fabrics designed for durability and cooling breathability, respectively, and the entire body is 30% Lycra for a fit that strikes a balance between compression and unrestrictive movement. Castelli also included highly reflective details on the back of the grippers for extra safety.

Comment on Lynda's photo:

Progetto X2 Air Chamois

The Castelli Free Aero Race bib shorts feature a new softer surface fabric on the updated Progetto X2 Air seatpad. The innovative double V construction on the front keeps everything in place without compressing your stomach.

Comment on Lynda's photo:

Castelli Free Aero Leg Band

The new Giro Air has the same perfectly flat, stay-in-place grip, but with less mass, which no doubt contributes to the claimed overall weight loss of 17 grams and definitely reduces the aerodynamic footprint.